Goodbye, French Fry

Gr 3-5–A young girl tackles the everyday stressors of growing up in Yu’s debut novel. Fifth-grader Ping-Ping is constantly bullied by her classmate Lee, who teases her for her Chinese identity. Meanwhile, her father, a New York City–based United Nations employee, is up for a promotion, and the family may have to move to Kenya. In addition to these worries, Ping-Ping experiences more minor bumps, such as needing new glasses and preparing for a piano recital. She tries to solve her problems on her own, with varying levels of success. Fortunately, her strict yet loving parents, admiring younger brother Xy, and affirming best friend Ana are always nearby to support her. Ping-Ping learns many lessons, such as being proud of her background and taking responsibility for her mistakes. These are presented in a gentle, realistic way. Each chapter describes a small problem Ping-Ping is experiencing, although the bullying and relocation plots color the whole storyline. Both central conflicts are neatly resolved by the end of the narrative. Ping-Ping is a relatable character, and her relationship with her tight-knit family is comforting to read. Their Chinese heritage is lovingly portrayed, with brief explanations of customs that may be unfamiliar to some audiences. The dialogue feels a bit stiff at times, and there may not be enough action for some readers, but those who enjoy leisurely paced stories will be satisfied.